India-Kolkata

India is renown for its rich historical heritage, storied traditions, distinct cultures, and resilient people groups, all of which contribute to the collage of beauty and brilliance that makes up this great nation. Still India is a country torn apart by an exploding AIDS epidemic, religious tensions, political instability, an ever-increasing economic disparity, unsustainable population growth and rampant inflation. In a nation such as this, vulnerable women and children suffer the most.

  1. Mission Statement

    • WMF Kolkata exists as a community of Christ-followers called to be in relationship with sexually exploited women in Kolkata’s red-light districts. We serve to bring liberty to women and children who are held captive by the sex trade.

  2. Mukti Network (Freedom Network)

    • WMF began and participates in a network of Christian organizations and individuals who are working with women and children in Kolkata’s red-light districts.

  3. Sari Bari

    • Sari Bari, a business initiative for women, began in February 2006 in a red-light area of Kolkata. They began in a small room with three women who wanted to start the road to freedom from the sex trade; they now provide jobs for 28 women and expect to reach 50 women by the end of 2009. Sari Bari trains the new women to sew blankets and bags from recycled saris (the sari is the traditional dress for Indian women). In addition to tailoring lessons, the training program includes literacy, math, budgeting, nutrition and informal group therapy. The community desires to see a transformation of the women’s minds and to encourage the women’s value and self-esteem through on-going training and support. Visit the Sari Bari website to learn more and to buy a handmade blanket or bag.

  4. Brothel Ministry

    • The WMF community spends several days each week with the people of a major red-light district of Kolkata. These day visits consist of building relationships and making connections for women to employment outside the sex trade. Through these relationships, WMF Kolkata has assisted more than 30 women in finding alternative, life-giving employment.